U.S. patent application number 15/277018 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-23 for crown cap closure and closure method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Heinz HILLMANN, Andreas KRIEG. Invention is credited to Heinz HILLMANN, Andreas KRIEG.
Application Number | 20170081087 15/277018 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52779620 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170081087 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HILLMANN; Heinz ; et
al. |
March 23, 2017 |
CROWN CAP CLOSURE AND CLOSURE METHOD
Abstract
A crown cap closure and closure method. The abstract of the
disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R.
.sctn.1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.72(b): A brief
abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must
commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims,
under the heading "Abstract of the Disclosure." The purpose of the
abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the
public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the
nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not
be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any
statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit
the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting
the claims in any manner.
Inventors: |
HILLMANN; Heinz; (Obrigheim,
DE) ; KRIEG; Andreas; (Dittelsheim-Hessloch,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HILLMANN; Heinz
KRIEG; Andreas |
Obrigheim
Dittelsheim-Hessloch |
|
DE
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
52779620 |
Appl. No.: |
15/277018 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP2015/056266 |
Mar 24, 2015 |
|
|
|
15277018 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 41/12 20130101;
B65C 3/26 20130101; B67C 3/28 20130101; B67C 7/004 20130101; B67C
3/24 20130101; B65D 53/02 20130101; B67B 3/023 20130101; B67C
2003/228 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/12 20060101
B65D041/12; B67B 3/02 20060101 B67B003/02; B67C 3/28 20060101
B67C003/28; B67C 7/00 20060101 B67C007/00; B67C 3/24 20060101
B67C003/24; B65C 3/26 20060101 B65C003/26; B65D 53/02 20060101
B65D053/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 27, 2014 |
DE |
10 2014 104 323.5 |
Claims
1. A cap-like closure system for containers, comprising a plurality
of crown caps comprising jag-like or tooth-like shaped ends, which
is formed at least in part by a metal and/or aluminum-containing
material, with the crown cap being formed such that, after the
intended deformation of the crown cap, which deformation seals the
container, the shaped ends of one or a plurality of cavities is
formed between the outer container surface and the shaped ends,
wherein in the region of the shaped ends a deformable sealing
material is provided which closes the cavities at least to the
extent of the end that points to the base of the container, with
the sealing material forming a ring-like or hoop-like element
separate from the crown cap and which interacts with the crown cap
in such a way that when the shaped ends are deformed for the
container closure they press or sink into the sealing material.
2. The cap-like closure system of claim 1 wherein the sealing
material is a rubber-like or foam-like material, in particular a
rubber-like or foam-like material whose outer surface compared with
its inner surface is devoid or essentially devoid of pores.
3. The cap-like closure system of claim 2 wherein the sealing
material is a material which can be activated in regard to its
volume.
4. The cap-like closure system of claim 3 wherein the sealing
material can be activated by an input of energy, in particular
thermal energy, in that it expands under the influence of heat.
5. The cap-like closure system of claim 3 wherein the sealing
material comprises a memory effect and after pressure is removed
retains a compressed, reduced volume form for a while and/or slowly
loses it and aspires to the original, enlarged volume form
again.
6. The cap-like closure system of claim 5 wherein the sealing
material is a seal cap with which the actual mouth head area and a
part of the mouth's side wall can be covered.
7. The cap-like closure system of claim 3 wherein the sealing
material is one or a plurality of coats of a hot-melt adhesive.
8. A method for closing containers with the cap-like closure system
of claim 1 whereby the containers and the crown caps are fed to the
closure device and wherein the deformable sealing material is
applied in one step and the deformation of the shaped ends takes
placed in a subsequent step.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the sealing material is applied as
a ring or collar in the mouth region of the container in a first
step and in a subsequent step the crown cap is placed on the mouth
and then deformed, with the sealing material being placed in an
axial position such that the free ends of the shaped ends pointing
to the base of the container lie in the sealing material or form an
edge or ridge together with it.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein, after activation, the sealing
material which projects after deformation radially covers the free
shaped ends and forms a ring or collar beneath the free shaped
ends.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the sealing material which
projects after deformation is chemically and/or physically cured
and/or embrittled in a subsequent step.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein the step in which the shaped
ends are deformed is followed by an activation step in which energy
is indirectly by applied to the crown caps or directly applied to
exposed areas of the sealing material, bringing about an at least
temporary alteration in the shape and/or state of the sealing
material.
13. The method of claim 8 wherein the step in which the shaped ends
are deformed is followed by an activation step in which energy is
indirectly by applied to the crown caps or directly applied to
exposed areas of the sealing material, bringing about an at least
temporary alteration in the shape and/or state of the sealing
material.
14. The method of claim 9 wherein the sealing material which
projects after deformation is chemically and/or physically cured
and/or embrittled in a subsequent step.
15. The cap-like closure system of claim 1 wherein the sealing
material is a material which can be activated in regard to its
volume.
16. The cap-like closure system of claim 15 wherein the sealing
material can be activated by an input of energy, in particular
thermal energy, in that it expands under the influence of heat.
17. The cap-like closure system of claim 15 wherein the sealing
material comprises a memory effect and after pressure is removed
retains a compressed, reduced volume form for a while and/or slowly
loses it and aspires to the original, enlarged volume form
again.
18. The cap-like closure system of claim 15 wherein the sealing
material is one or a plurality of coats of a hot-melt adhesive.
19. The cap-like closure system of claim 1 wherein the sealing
material is a seal cap with which the actual mouth head area and a
part of the mouth's side wall can be covered.
20. The cap-like closure system of claim 4 wherein the sealing
material is a seal cap with which the actual mouth head area and a
part of the mouth's side wall can be covered.
Description
CONTINUING APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part application of
International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2015/056266, filed on
Mar. 24, 2015, which claims priority from Federal Republic of
Germany Patent Application No. 10 2014 104 323.5, filed on Mar. 27,
2014. International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2015/056266 was
pending as of the filing date of this application. The United
States was an elected state in International Patent Application No.
PCT/EP2015/056266.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present application relates to a crown cap closure and
closure method.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Background information is for informational purposes only
and does not necessarily admit that subsequently mentioned
information and publications are prior art.
[0006] The present application relates to a crown cap closure for
containers, especially for bottles (glass bottles), and to a
closure method.
[0007] Crown caps are very common and known as closures for
containers, especially for drinks bottles made from glass, for
example for beer and soft drink bottles. Crown caps comprise a
circular piece of metal with a crown-like bent edge and a sealing
inlay. The latter was originally made of cork which as a
compressible intermediary provided the required and/or desired seal
between the neck of the bottle and the metal. Polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) or polyethylene (PE) are common today. Crown caps are also
usually covered with protective lacquers to prevent, essentially
prevent, restrict, and/or minimize corrosion.
[0008] The most common crown cap has twenty-one teeth, the
advantage of the odd number of teeth being that they are not
directly opposite one another and so avoid, restrict, and/or
minimize tilting in conveyor units.
[0009] Crown caps are fitted to the containers by way of a closure
machine which guides conveyed crown caps with the aid of, for
example, a magnetic punch and presses them down onto the neck of
the bottle. At the same time a cylindrical region lowers down
around the crown cap to essentially ensure and/or promote that the
toothed edge is bent over or crimped around the container's mouth
region.
[0010] Some methods for closing containers may include and/or
utilize crown caps that are closed onto the mouth end of a
container while forming a sealing force-fit between the closure
element and the container, with a provisional clamped connection
being produced in a first closure phase and the final sealing
force-fit being produced in a subsequent closure phase. The
provisional clamped connection of the closure element to the
container is produced by the plastic deformation of the crown cap.
Such closure operations may comprise multiple stages with
different, i.e. increasing, closure forces. Some methods or
apparatus may disclose a further crown cap sealer in which a
crimping head is provided which comprises protruding pin elements
that can move for crimping over the edge of the crown. A pneumatic
driving device is provided to generate an advance movement for the
crimping head.
[0011] Some possibly hygienic devices may involve the container
being closed in a sterile space generated by an inert gas.
[0012] Although the method and the devices commonly used for it are
in widespread use, there is a problem in that, during the filling
operation immediately or essentially immediately or generally
upstream of the sealer, the container mouth is often moistened with
product which can then go moldy in the space created beneath the
fitted and crimped crown cap teeth. In any event the spaces beneath
the crown cap form a partially open cavity in which contamination
cannot be avoided, restricted and/or minimized and with which the
consumer's lips come into contact.
Object or Objects
[0013] It is an object of the present application to provide a
crown cap closure which offers enhanced hygienic properties.
SUMMARY
[0014] This object is achieved, according to the present
application, with the crown cap system of the present application;
a method for closing according to the present application is
disclosed for carrying out the actual closing.
[0015] Such a cap-like closure system for containers is provided
with crown caps comprising a plurality of jag-like or tooth-like
shape ends. The latter are usually odd in number so as to avoid,
restrict, and/or minimize blockages in the transport paths. These
crown caps are composed at least partially of a metal and/or
aluminum-containing material (main body) and can comprise an inner
lining composed of one or more layers (rubber, plastic) for
improving the seal between the container mouth and the underside of
the crown cap. The crown cap is shaped in such a way that following
the intentional deformation which closes the mouth of the
container, the shape ends assume the fundamentally familiar jagged
or toothed radial contour such that one or more cavities are formed
between the outer container surface that is close to the mouth, and
the shape ends.
[0016] A deformable sealing material which closes the cavities, at
least to the extent of the end that points to the base of the
container, is provided in the region of the shape ends. The sealing
material is a ring-like or hoop-like element which is separate from
the crown cap and is attached in the corresponding mouth region of
the container separately from, i.e. independently of, the main body
of the crown cap, but then interacts with the crown cap (main body)
in such a way that when the shape ends of the crown cap are
deformed for the final container closure they press or sink into
the sealing material at least in some sections.
[0017] The sealing material can be a rubber-like or foam-like
material, in one possible exemplification a rubber-like or
foam-like material whose outer surface compared with its inner
surface is devoid or essentially devoid of pores, so hindering the
accumulation of impurities. A germ-destroying or growth-inhibiting
material such as silver, zinc or copper particles or other
permitted substances can be added to the sealing material.
[0018] In at least one possible exemplification the sealing
material is configured as a disc-like or plate-like molding in the
manner of a sealing pad which has two more or less concentric
regions. The one region is the radially outer region (edge region)
which is configured as a bead-like ring contour or sealing contour.
This can be suitably contoured to match the shape ends, i.e. can
also comprise a tooth-like structure. The inner region forms the
flatter center section which constitutes the mouth seal at the top
of the container. If required and/or desired this center section
can comprise a support or contouring which matches the container
mouth, as a mouth seal.
[0019] In a first step, the sealing pad can be connected to the
upper and lateral container mouth/surface or attached to these
(before the application of the crown cap and closure of the
container), in such a way that the sealing pad is in contact over
its whole area, i.e. it is fixed in position. Alternatively,
provision can be made for part of the surface of the inner and/or
outer region to be fixed in position on the container mouth, the
result being that a stretching or movement in the material of the
sealing pad is easily possible in order to achieve an optimum
seal.
[0020] It is possible for a sealing material to be used which in
regard to volume can be activated. In this case the crown cap which
is provided with a minimal volume of sealing material can be stored
and transported as loose stock to save space and in at least one
possible exemplification without damaging the softer sealing
material. The desired increase in volume to close the unwanted
cavities is effected after the mechanical deformation of the crown
caps and the closure of the containers. Alternatively, however,
this activation and increase can also be effected in the path of
the crown cap as it is fed to the container if the latter is
already available in an at least partially definite position and/or
orientation. The cap-like closure system according to the present
application wherein the sealing material can be activated by an
input of energy, in at least one possible exemplification thermal
energy, in that it expands under the influence of heat.
[0021] The activation is achieved in at least one possible
exemplification through the input of thermal energy in that the
sealing material expands under the influence of heat. The main body
of the crown cap can be heated up through contact heating,
radiantly or inductively so that the sealing material is indirectly
heated up by way of thermal conduction.
[0022] Since glass bottles in at least one possible exemplification
are cold from the filled product after filling, usually in a
temperature range below fifteen degrees Celsius, in at least one
possible exemplification below ten degrees Celsius, it may be
possible for the heat to be introduced into the material of the
crown cap vertically or essentially vertically from above in a very
limited region, namely the section which covers the container's
mouth opening, so no or only a very minimal amount or a small
amount of heat is introduced into the surface of the container, in
at least one possible exemplification the sealing material also
acting as thermal insulation.
[0023] Alternatively the sealing material can have a so-called
"memory" effect by which, after pressure is removed, a compressed,
reduced volume form is retained for a while and/or the original,
enlarged volume form is slowly restored. The reduction in volume
can be effected in that the sealing material of the crown caps is
briefly compressed in the feed line to the container or in that the
crown caps and sealing material are stored under pressure or
compression such that the reduction in volume is already present in
the sorting and feeding system to the closer or container. Mention
here can be made of materials made from a polyurethane or from
materials containing polyurethane, for example. As stated above,
the reverse forming process can also be assisted or accelerated by
way of energy input in a comparable manner.
[0024] A further possible exemplification comprises in the sealing
material being one or more coats of a hot-melt adhesive which after
the deformation and closure is then at least partially melted by a
suitable input of energy. To this end a hot-melt adhesive in at
least one possible exemplification can be provided which prior to
the aforesaid heating is softer and more elastic than after melting
(embrittlement, curing) so that opening the crown cap or container
produces a kind of fracture in the adhesive which can easily be
seen, especially by the consumer. The shape end of the main body
can sink into the still soft hot-melt adhesive which was applied in
liquid form, and the hot-melt adhesive can subsequently cool down
and harden. Alternatively the hot-melt adhesive can be fed in a
collar or ring form (hard), folded over and then melted in certain
regions as required and/or desired.
[0025] An exemplification of the cap-like closure system of the
afore-mentioned variants is achieved in that the sealing material
projects radially out over the shape ends and that this freely
projecting sealing material forms a kind of retaining ring or
collar which when the container is opened is compromised because it
has to be or can be partially distorted, broken and/or split, for
example. Consequently the sealing material also acts as a safeguard
against tampering and as proof of hygiene.
[0026] The sealing material can also be influenced, at least in a
certain region, i.e. within a limited space, in such a way that it
hardens or embrittles more strongly in that region or as a whole.
Such an influence can be brought about if required and/or desired
by way of UV radiation, an additional input of energy, cold shock
or other suitable manner.
[0027] In one variant the sealing material contains, for example,
components which can be cured by ultraviolet (UV). In this case
there is a chemical reaction due to UV polymerization during
curing. The sealing material, if possible, in its edge region,
comprises photo initiators which in their initial form exist in a
double bond. If UV radiation is now applied using emitters, the
photo initiators are activated and the energy-rich UV radiation
breaks up the double bond of the photo initiators with the result
that free radicals form and an irreversible cross-linking to
macromolecules takes place with for example filling and bonding
agents. This in turn results in curing and embrittlement.
[0028] Consequently a method is provided for closing containers
with a cap-like closure system according to any one of the
preceding exemplifications, in which the step in which the shape
ends are deformed is followed by a reverse formation step and/or an
activation step in which an at least temporary alteration in the
shape and/or state of the sealing material is brought about by
reducing pressure or indirectly by applying energy to the crown
caps or directly by applying energy to exposed areas of the sealing
material. This is usually an increase in the volume of the sealing
material in which the cavities are closed. In at least one possible
exemplification, in one step the deformable sealing material is
applied to the container surface in the mouth or neck region, and
in a subsequent step the deformation of the shape ends of the crown
cap (main body) is carried out.
[0029] In the first step, the sealing material is applied or
attached in the mouth region of the container as a ring or collar,
and in a subsequent step the crown cap is placed onto the mouth and
then deformed. The sealing material is placed in an axial position
such that the free ends of the form ends which point to the base of
the container lie in the sealing material or form an edge or ridge
together with it. In the event of a liquid application of hot-melt
adhesive, this can also be carried out after the initial placing
(adhering) of the main body.
[0030] After the deformation the projecting sealing material (after
activation) advantageously forms a ring or collar underneath the
free shape ends which radially covers the free shape ends. After
the deformation, the projecting sealing material is chemically
and/or physically cured and/or embrittled in a subsequent step.
[0031] If, after the deformation and activation of the sealing
material, the sealing material projects axially outward with a
ring-like or collar-like region the free shape ends, the projecting
free sealing material can, by activation and/or by an additional
treatment step, be enlarged in at least one possible
exemplification in the radial direction so that it covers the edges
of the crown cap which point axially downward, so forming a ring or
collar beneath the free shape ends which may have the same or a
greater outer circumference than the greatest outer circumference
of the shape ends in the deformed closure condition.
[0032] Thus a device is also provided for closing containers with a
cap-like closure system according to one of the afore-mentioned
exemplifications which comprises at least one container inlet, at
least one closure tool and at least one crown cap feeder, and a
container outlet, with one or a plurality of sealing material
feeders and sealing material application units being provided.
[0033] A curing and/or embrittling unit may be provided in at least
one possible exemplification downstream of the closer position or
closer unit, although it can also be an integral part of the closer
station and be activated, i.e. switched on, as and when required
and/or desired.
[0034] The container closer in at least one possible
exemplification may be a rotary-type closer having a plurality of
closer stations each comprising at least one closure tool.
[0035] Suitably arranged items of equipment such as heaters,
emitters, compressors etc. are provided for the machine-related
implementation of the aforesaid exemplifications.
[0036] Suitable laser and/or lens systems may be provided in at
least one possible exemplification for the heating or irradiation
which may be very small in surface area.
[0037] High-energy lasers which are directed obliquely from below
onto free surfaces of the adhesive coating and/or which are
directed radially at that region of the shape ends beneath which
the adhesive coating is arranged, are suitable and in at least one
possible exemplification for melting a hot-melt adhesive after the
container is closed.
[0038] The other known process steps upstream and downstream of the
container closer can be analogously combined accordingly to suit
requirements and/or desires. These are suitable test and inspection
units upstream and downstream of the closer, cleaning and
disinfecting units to vacuum-extract impurities and if possible to
sterilize the closures. In at least one possible exemplification, a
closure inspection element which checks the proper quality of the
closure and the presence of the crown cap and any produced
retaining rings under the crown cap may be provided downstream of
the closer.
[0039] Some units which transport the closures to the closer and
take account of and determine alignment and position act as feed
systems. The desired directional orientation is retained in such a
transport unit. The crown caps are also transferred to the closer
via pick & place station(s), a blow-in device or other suitable
elements.
[0040] If desired, a mouth spray can be provided upstream of the
actual closure step to wash away foam residues for example.
[0041] The closer itself comprises known closure heads capable of
applying the described crown caps.
[0042] In at least one possible exemplification the sealing
material is executed as a sleeve-like cap (seal cap) which is
placed over the container mouth before the crown cap (main body) is
fitted. In this way the actual mouth head area and part of the
mouth's side wall and possibly neck area are covered by the seal
cap. In at least one possible exemplification, this seal cap is
widened out (stretched) before being applied to the container mouth
and after the fitting and discharge of the feeder element assumes a
force-fitting final position around the mouth. Alternatively or
additionally the seal cap can be shrinkable by way of energy input
(heat, radiation etc.) so that such a step for inputting energy is
provided before or after the crown cap is deformed (closure).
[0043] In at least one possible exemplification, the application of
the crown cap (main body) to the seal cap produces a unit such that
when the crown cap is mechanically opened by, say, the consumer,
the seal cap is destroyed and in at least one possible
exemplification is left behind on the main body of the crown cap,
is therefore loosened and removed with the latter during the
intended opening process. In order to produce this connection
between crown cap (main body) and seal cap, suitable bonding media
or hot-melt adhesives, vulcanisable materials etc. can be applied
and, if desired, activated (e.g. hot-melt glue) as part of the
method and/or be already applied to the preforms and/or be an
inherent part of the material properties.
[0044] Suitable perforation in the sealing sleeve, in at least one
possible exemplification one or a plurality of perforations running
vertically or substantially vertically, can improve the opening
characteristics.
[0045] The above-discussed exemplifications of the present
invention will be described further herein below. When the word
"invention" or "exemplification of the invention" is used in this
specification, the word "invention" or "exemplification of the
invention" includes "inventions" or "exemplifications of the
invention", that is the plural of "invention" or "exemplification
of the invention". By stating "invention" or "exemplification of
the invention", the Applicant does not in any way admit that the
present application does not include more than one patentably and
non-obviously distinct invention, and maintains that this
application may include more than one patentably and non-obviously
distinct invention. The Applicant hereby asserts that the
disclosure of this application may include more than one invention,
and, in the event that there is more than one invention, that these
inventions may be patentable and non-obvious one with respect to
the other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] FIG. 1A shows an exemplification with the cap-like closing
system installed on a bottle;
[0047] FIG. 1B shows the exemplification of FIG. 1A, in another
sectional view, which shows the cap-like closing system
installed;
[0048] FIG. 2 shows one possible exemplification of sealing
material;
[0049] FIG. 3 shows activation of sealing material;
[0050] FIG. 4 shows memory effect sealing material;
[0051] FIG. 5 shows another exemplification of sealing
material;
[0052] FIG. 6 shows another possible exemplification of sealing
material comprising coats;
[0053] FIG. 7 is a box diagram showing one possible exemplification
of a method according to the present application;
[0054] FIG. 8 is a box diagram showing one possible exemplification
of a method according to the present application;
[0055] FIG. 9 is a box diagram showing one possible exemplification
of a method according to the present application;
[0056] FIG. 10 is a box diagram showing one possible
exemplification of a method according to the present
application;
[0057] FIG. 11 is a box diagram showing one possible
exemplification of a method according to the present
application;
[0058] FIG. 12 is a box diagram showing one possible
exemplification of a method according to the present
application;
[0059] FIG. 13 is a box diagram showing one possible
exemplification of a method according to the present
application;
[0060] FIG. 14 is a box diagram showing one possible
exemplification of a method according to the present
application;
[0061] FIG. 15 is a box diagram showing one possible
exemplification of a method according to the present
application;
[0062] FIG. 16 is a box diagram showing one possible
exemplification of a method according to the present application;
and
[0063] FIG. 17 shows schematically the main components of one
possible embodiment example of a system for filling containers.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLIFICATION OR EXEMPLIFICATIONS
[0064] FIG. 1A shows an exemplification with the cap-like closing
system installed on a bottle. The system comprises a metal crown
cap 10 with an upper seal 12 disposed between the metal crown cap
10 and the extreme upper mouth of the bottle 14 with the jagged or
tooth-shaped ends 16 of the crown cap 10 pressed against the bottom
portion 18 of the bottom portion of the furthest upward extending
portion of the bottle 14.
[0065] A ring or ring element projects in the axial direction
downwardly at the extreme end 22, which points downwardly, of the
crown cap 10. The ring 20 is tensioned by the free lower edges 22
of the jagged or tooth-shaped ends 16.
[0066] The right-hand portion of the FIG. 1A shows the portion of
the jagged or tooth-shaped shaped ends 16 which has not been
collapsed by the closing of the bottle 14.
[0067] FIG. 1B shows the exemplification of FIG. 1A, in another
sectional view, which shows the cap-like closing system
installed.
[0068] As can be seen, the right-hand of the bottle 14 with the
crown cap 10 installed covers the open portion 16 (shown in FIG.
1A) of the jagged or tooth-shaped shaped ends 16. The right-hand
portion of the FIG. 1B shows the portion of the jagged or
tooth-shaped shaped ends 16 which has been collapsed by the closing
of the bottle 14. The ring 20 as shown on the right-hand portion of
the figure closes or seals the open portion 26.
[0069] A recess 24 is formed on the bottom portion of the ring or
ring segments 20.
[0070] The exemplifications in FIGS. 1A and 1B show the regions of
the jagged or tooth-shaped shaped ends 16, where a deformable
sealing material 19 is provided, which closes the cavities 17 at
least to the extent of the end that points toward the base of the
container with the sealing material 19 forming a ring-like or
hoop-like element 20 separate from the crown cap 10 and which
interacts with the crown cap 10 in such a way that when the jagged
or tooth-shaped shaped ends 16 are deformed for the container
closure, the jagged or tooth-shaped shaped ends 16 press or sink
into the sealing material 19.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 2, the sealing material 19 is a rubber-like
or foam-like material 19, that is, a rubber-like or foam-life
material 19 whose outer surface 21 compared with its inner surface
23 is devoid or essentially devoid of pores.
[0072] Alternatively, the pores could extend out of the outer
surface 21 and inner surface 23 or only one of them such that at
least one of the surfaces 21 and 23 are essentially devoid of
pores.
[0073] In FIG. 3, the sealing material 19 is a material that can be
activated in regard to its volume. The original volume 25 is shown
to the left in FIG. 3, and the expanded volume is shown as 27.
Further, with regard to FIG. 3, the addition of energy shown as
.DELTA.Q, shown as 29, indicates that the application of energy,
such as a thermal energy, expands the original volume 25, under the
influence of heat, to the volume 27.
[0074] FIG. 4 shows a memory effect material of which the sealing
material 19 can be made. The original volume of the material 19
with a force F against the material 19 as shown in the left-hand
portion of 31 initiates the reduction of the volume of the sealing
material 19. Upon application of the force upon the sealing
material 19 shown by the force F.sub.1 as shown as 33 in FIG. 4,
the volume of the sealing material 19 is reduced to a minimum for
the sealing procedure. After a time, after the release of forces F
and F.sub.1, the sealing material 19 begins to expand as shown by
the time t.sub.1. The sealing material 19 as shown as 37 then
expands after a time t.sub.2, which is greater than time t.sub.1,
to a dimension that is greater than the dimension of 35.
[0075] Finally, after a time t.sub.3, which is greater than time
t.sub.2, which was greater than time t.sub.1, the sealing material
19 as shown as 39 expands to approximately or exactly the original
volume of the sealing material shown in FIG. 4. Thus the memory
effect, and after pressure is removed, retains a compressed,
reduced volume form for a while and/or slowly loses it and aspires
to the original, enlarged volume form again, as shown in 31.
[0076] FIG. 5 shows another exemplification in which the sealing
material 19 and the upper seal 12 are in one piece and extend over
the extreme upward portion of the bottle 14 down the sides of the
mouth of the bottle 14 such that the sealing material 19 covers the
actual mouth head area 41 and a part of the side of the mouth side
wall 43.
[0077] FIG. 6 shows where the sealing material 19 comprises a
plurality of coats of hot melt adhesive. These coats of sealing
material 19 are shown as 45, 47, and 49. The coat 45 is the portion
of the sealing material 19 which contacts the mouth side wall 43 of
the bottle 14. The coat 47 is an intermediate layer between coats
45 and 49, and the coat 49 is an outer layer. Additionally, only
one coat of hot melt adhesives could be used, rather than the three
as shown.
[0078] The left-hand portion of FIG. 6 is shown with a thickened
sealing material 19, which could be under one of the jagged or
tooth-shaped shaped ends 16 disposed further away from the mouth
side wall 43 of the bottle 14. The right-hand portion of FIG. 6
could be under one of the compressed jagged or tooth-shaped shaped
ends 16.
[0079] In other words, the thickness of the sealing material 19
disposed around bottle 14 and between the bottle 14 and the crown
cork 10 was originally a consistent and even thickness. The
compression of the crown cap 10 around the bottle mouth area
resulted in jagged edges 16 of the crown cork 10 compress the
sealing material 19. The compressed portions of the crown cork 10
are therefore depressed further into the sealing material 19 than
the tooth portions 16 of the crown cork 10, forcing the sealing
material 19 to be compressed more beneath the compressed portions
of the crown cork 10. The sealing material 19 between the bottle 14
and the jagged teeth 16 of the crown cork 10 is permitted to expand
farther away from the bottle 14, and therefore appears to be
thicker.
[0080] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of one possible method
according to the present application. A step in this method, as
shown by 201, includes inserting rubber-like or foam-like sealing
material between cavities in at least a portion of an installed
crown cork. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown
in FIG. 7, as shown by 217, includes putting crown cork on bottle.
A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 7, as
shown by 202, includes forming ring-like or hoop-like sealing
element with rubber-like or foam-like sealing material between
cavities in at least a portion of an installed crown cork. A
following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 7, as
shown by 203, includes deforming sharp ends of jag-like or
tooth-like shaped ends of crown cork.
[0081] FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of one possible method
according to the present application. A step in this method, as
shown by 201, includes inserting rubber-like or foam-like sealing
material between cavities in at least a portion of an installed
crown cork. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown
in FIG. 8, as shown by 204, includes forming outer surface of
sealing material devoid or essentially devoid of pores. A following
or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 8, as shown by
203, includes deforming sharp ends of jag-like or tooth-like shaped
ends of crown cork.
[0082] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of one possible method
according to the present application. A step in this method, as
shown by 205, includes inserting rubber-like or foam-like sealing
material between cavities in at least a portion of an installed
crown cork and activating a foam-like material to increase foam
volume. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in
FIG. 9, as shown by 206, includes activating sealing material by
energy. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in
FIG. 9, as shown by 203, includes deforming sharp ends of jag-like
or tooth-like shaped ends of crown cork.
[0083] FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of one possible method
according to the present application. A step in this method, as
shown by 205, includes inserting rubber-like or foam-like sealing
material between cavities in at least a portion of an installed
crown cork and activating a foam-like material to increase foam
volume. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in
FIG. 10, as shown by 217, includes putting crown cork on bottle. A
following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 10, as
shown by 207, includes activating sealing material by heat.
[0084] FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of one possible method
according to the present application. A step in this method, as
shown by 205, includes inserting rubber-like or foam-like sealing
material between cavities in at least a portion of an installed
crown cork and activating a foam-like material to increase foam
volume. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in
FIG. 11, as shown by 203, includes deforming sharp ends of jag-like
or tooth-like shaped ends of crown cork. A following or subsequent
step in the method as shown in FIG. 11, as shown by 208, includes
applying pressure and compressing the sealing material to reduce
volume and then expanding sealing material slowly.
[0085] FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of one possible method
according to the present application. A step in this method, as
shown by 205, includes inserting rubber-like or foam-like sealing
material between cavities in at least a portion of an installed
crown cork and activating a foam-like material to increase foam
volume. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in
FIG. 12, as shown by 203, includes deforming sharp ends of jag-like
or tooth-like shaped ends of crown cork. A following or subsequent
step in the method as shown in FIG. 12, as shown in 209, includes
applying pressure and compressing the sealing material to reduce
volume for at least a while.
[0086] FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of one possible method
according to the present application. A step in this method, as
shown by 210, includes covering mouth area of a bottle with a
sealing cap extending down the neck of bottle. A following or
subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 13, as shown by 217,
includes putting crown cork on bottle. A following or subsequent
step in the method as shown in FIG. 13, as shown by 203, includes
deforming sharp ends of jag-like or tooth-like shaped ends of crown
cork.
[0087] FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of one possible method
according to the present application. A step in this method, as
shown by 219, includes putting a crown cap in a coating machine. A
following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 14, as
shown by 211, includes applying sealing material in at least one
coat. A following or subsequent A following or subsequent step in
the method as shown in FIG. 14, as shown by 217, includes putting
crown cork on bottle. A following or subsequent step in the method
as shown in FIG. 14, as shown by 203, includes deforming sharp ends
of jag-like or tooth-like shaped ends of crown cork.
[0088] FIG. 15 shows a block diagram of one possible method
according to the present application. A step in this method, as
shown by 219, includes putting a crown cap in a coating machine. A
following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 15, as
shown by 212, includes applying sealing material as hot-melt
adhesive. A following or subsequent A following or subsequent step
in the method as shown in FIG. 15, as shown by 217, includes
putting crown cork on bottle. A following or subsequent step in the
method as shown in FIG. 15, as shown by 203, includes deforming
sharp ends of jag-like or tooth-like shaped ends of crown cork.
[0089] FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of one possible method
according to the present application. A step in this method, as
shown by 219, includes putting a crown cap in a coating machine. A
following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 16, as
shown by 213, includes applying sealing material to crown cork. A
following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 16, as
shown by 214, includes deforming jag-like or tooth-like shaped ends
of crown cork to seal bottle. A following or subsequent step in the
method as shown in FIG. 16, as shown by 203, includes deforming
sharp ends of jag-like or tooth-like shaped ends of crown cork.
[0090] FIG. 17 shows schematically the main components of one
possible embodiment example of a system for filling containers,
specifically, a beverage bottling plant for filling bottles 130
with at least one liquid beverage, in accordance with at least one
possible embodiment, in which system or plant could possibly be
utilized at least one aspect, or several aspects, of the
embodiments disclosed herein.
[0091] FIG. 17 shows a rinsing arrangement or rinsing station 101,
to which the containers, namely bottles 130, are fed in the
direction of travel as indicated by the arrow 131, by a first
conveyor arrangement 103, which can be a linear conveyor or a
combination of a linear conveyor and a starwheel. Downstream of the
rinsing arrangement or rinsing station 101, in the direction of
travel as indicated by the arrow 131, the rinsed bottles 130 are
transported to a beverage filling machine 105 by a second conveyor
arrangement 104 that is formed, for example, by one or more
starwheels that introduce bottles 130 into the beverage filling
machine 105.
[0092] The beverage filling machine 105 shown is of a revolving or
rotary design, with a rotor 105', which revolves around a central,
vertical machine axis. The rotor 105' is designed to receive and
hold the bottles 130 for filling at a plurality of filling
positions 113 located about the periphery of the rotor 105'. At
each of the filling positions 103 is located a filling arrangement
114 having at least one filling device, element, apparatus, or
valve. The filling arrangements 114 are designed to introduce a
predetermined volume or amount of liquid beverage into the interior
of the bottles 130 to a predetermined or desired level.
[0093] The filling arrangements 114 receive the liquid beverage
material from a toroidal or annular vessel 117, in which a supply
of liquid beverage material is stored under pressure by a gas. The
toroidal vessel 117 is a component, for example, of the revolving
rotor 105'. The toroidal vessel 117 can be connected by means of a
rotary coupling or a coupling that permits rotation. The toroidal
vessel 117 is also connected to at least one external reservoir or
supply of liquid beverage material by a conduit or supply line. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, there are two external supply
reservoirs 123 and 124, each of which is configured to store either
the same liquid beverage product or different products. These
reservoirs 123, 124 are connected to the toroidal or annular vessel
117 by corresponding supply lines, conduits, or arrangements 121
and 122. The external supply reservoirs 123, 124 could be in the
form of simple storage tanks, or in the form of liquid beverage
product mixers, in at least one possible embodiment.
[0094] As well as the more typical filling machines having one
toroidal vessel, it is possible that in at least one possible
embodiment there could be a second toroidal or annular vessel which
contains a second product. In this case, each filling arrangement
114 could be connected by separate connections to each of the two
toroidal vessels and have two individually-controllable fluid or
control valves, so that in each bottle 130, the first product or
the second product can be filled by means of an appropriate control
of the filling product or fluid valves.
[0095] Downstream of the beverage filling machine 105, in the
direction of travel of the bottles 130, there can be a beverage
bottle closing arrangement or closing station 106 which closes or
caps the bottles 130. The beverage bottle closing arrangement or
closing station 106 can be connected by a third conveyor
arrangement 107 to a beverage bottle labeling arrangement or
labeling station 108. The third conveyor arrangement may be formed,
for example, by a plurality of starwheels, or may also include a
linear conveyor device.
[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, the beverage bottle labeling
arrangement or labeling station 108 has at least one labeling unit,
device, or module, for applying labels to bottles 130. In the
embodiment shown, the labeling arrangement 108 is connected by a
starwheel conveyor structure to three output conveyor arrangements:
a first output conveyor arrangement 109, a second output conveyor
arrangement 110, and a third output conveyor arrangement 111, all
of which convey filled, closed, and labeled bottles 130 to
different locations.
[0097] The first output conveyor arrangement 109, in the embodiment
shown, is designed to convey bottles 130 that are filled with a
first type of liquid beverage supplied by, for example, the supply
reservoir 123. The second output conveyor arrangement 110, in the
embodiment shown, is designed to convey bottles 130 that are filled
with a second type of liquid beverage supplied by, for example, the
supply reservoir 124. The third output conveyor arrangement 111, in
the embodiment shown, is designed to convey incorrectly labeled
bottles 130. To further explain, the labeling arrangement 108 can
comprise at least one beverage bottle inspection or monitoring
device that inspects or monitors the location of labels on the
bottles 130 to determine if the labels have been correctly placed
or aligned on the bottles 130. The third output conveyor
arrangement 111 removes any bottles 130 which have been incorrectly
labeled as determined by the inspecting device.
[0098] The beverage bottling plant can be controlled by a central
control arrangement 112, which could be, for example, computerized
control system that monitors and controls the operation of the
various stations and mechanisms of the beverage bottling plant.
[0099] The present application relates to a cap-like closure system
for containers, in the form of crown caps, which have a plurality
of jag- or tooth-like shape ends. The crown caps are composed at
least partially of a metal and/or aluminum-containing material
(main body) and can comprise an inner coating composed of one or
more layers (rubber, plastic) for improving the sealing between the
container opening and the underside of the crown cap. The crown cap
is shaped in such a way that the shape ends have the fundamentally
known corrugated or jagged radial contour after the intended
deformation which closes the opening of the container, such that
one or more cavities are formed between the outer container surface
close to the opening and the shape ends. A deformable sealing
material is provided in the region of the shape ends. The sealing
material closes the cavities at least in the periphery of the end
pointing toward the container bottom. The sealing material is a
ring- or hoop-like element, which is separate from the crown cap
and is attached in the corresponding opening region of the
container separately from, i.e., independently of, the main body of
the crown cap. However, the element then interacts with the crown
cap (main body) in such a way that, when the shape ends of the
crown cap are deformed for the final container closure, the form
ends press or sink into the sealing material at least in some
sections.
[0100] One feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a cap-like closure system for containers,
comprising a plurality of crown caps comprising jag-like or
tooth-like shaped ends, which is formed at least in part by a metal
and/or aluminum-containing material, with the crown cap being
formed such that, after the intended deformation of the crown cap,
which (deformation) seals the container, the shaped ends of one or
a plurality of cavities is formed between the outer container
surface and the shaped ends, wherein in the region of the shaped
ends a deformable sealing material is provided which closes the
cavities at least to the extent of the end that points to the base
of the container, with the sealing material forming a ring-like or
hoop-like element separate from the crown cap and which interacts
with the crown cap in such a way that when the shaped ends are
deformed for the container closure they press or sink into the
sealing material.
[0101] Another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the cap-like closure system wherein the sealing
material is a rubber-like or foam-like material, in at least one
possible exemplification a rubber-like or foam-like material whose
outer surface compared with its inner surface is devoid or
essentially devoid of pores.
[0102] Yet another feature or aspect of an exemplification is
believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to
possibly reside broadly in the cap-like closure system wherein the
sealing material is a material which can be activated in regard to
its volume.
[0103] Still another feature or aspect of an exemplification is
believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to
possibly reside broadly in the cap-like closure system wherein the
sealing material can be activated by an input of energy, in at
least one possible exemplification thermal energy, in that it
expands under the influence of heat.
[0104] A further feature or aspect of an exemplification is
believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to
possibly reside broadly in the cap-like closure system wherein the
sealing material comprises a memory effect and after pressure is
removed retains a compressed, reduced volume form for a while
and/or slowly loses it and aspires to the original, enlarged volume
form again.
[0105] Another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the cap-like closure system wherein the sealing
material is a seal cap with which the actual mouth head area and a
part of the mouth's side wall can be covered.
[0106] Yet another feature or aspect of an exemplification is
believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to
possibly reside broadly in the cap-like closure system wherein the
sealing material is one or a plurality of coats of a hot-melt
adhesive.
[0107] One feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at
the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in a method for closing containers with the cap-like
closure system of the present application whereby the containers
and the crown caps are fed to the closure device and wherein the
deformable sealing material is applied in one step and the
deformation of the shaped ends takes placed in a subsequent
step.
[0108] Another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed
at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly
reside broadly in the method wherein the sealing material is
applied as a ring or collar in the mouth region of the container in
a first step and in a subsequent step the crown cap is placed on
the mouth and then deformed, with the sealing material being placed
in an axial position such that the free ends of the shaped ends
pointing to the base of the container lie in the sealing material
or form an edge or ridge together with it.
[0109] Yet another feature or aspect of an exemplification is
believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to
possibly reside broadly in the method wherein, after activation,
the sealing material which projects after deformation radially
covers the free shaped ends and forms a ring or collar beneath the
free shaped ends.
[0110] Still another feature or aspect of an exemplification is
believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to
possibly reside broadly in the method wherein the sealing material
which projects after deformation is chemically and/or physically
cured and/or embrittled in a subsequent step.
[0111] A further feature or aspect of an exemplification is
believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to
possibly reside broadly in the method wherein the step in which the
shaped ends are deformed is followed by an activation step in which
energy is indirectly by applied to the crown caps or directly
applied to exposed areas of the sealing material, bringing about an
at least temporary alteration in the shape and/or state of the
sealing material.
[0112] The components disclosed in the patents, patent
applications, patent publications, and other documents disclosed or
incorporated by reference herein, may possibly be used in possible
exemplifications of the present invention, as well as equivalents
thereof.
[0113] The purpose of the statements about the technical field is
generally to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public
to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this
patent application. The description of the technical field is
believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to
adequately describe the technical field of this patent application.
However, the description of the technical field may not be
completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this
patent application, as amended during prosecution of this patent
application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from
this patent application. Therefore, any statements made relating to
the technical field are not intended to limit the claims in any
manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any
manner.
[0114] The appended drawings in their entirety, including all
dimensions, proportions and/or shapes in at least one
exemplification of the invention, are accurate and are hereby
included by reference into this specification.
[0115] The background information is believed, at the time of the
filing of this patent application, to adequately provide background
information for this patent application. However, the background
information may not be completely applicable to the claims as
originally filed in this patent application, as amended during
prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed
in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any
statements made relating to the background information are not
intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be
interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
[0116] All, or substantially all, of the components and methods of
the various exemplifications may be used with at least one
exemplification or all of the exemplifications, if more than one
exemplification is described herein.
[0117] The purpose of the statements about the object or objects is
generally to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public
to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this
patent application. The description of the object or objects is
believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to
adequately describe the object or objects of this patent
application. However, the description of the object or objects may
not be completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in
this patent application, as amended during prosecution of this
patent application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing
from this patent application. Therefore, any statements made
relating to the object or objects are not intended to limit the
claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the
claims in any manner.
[0118] All of the patents, patent applications, patent
publications, and other documents cited herein, and in the
Declaration attached hereto, are hereby incorporated by reference
as if set forth in their entirety herein except for the exceptions
indicated herein.
[0119] The summary is believed, at the time of the filing of this
patent application, to adequately summarize this patent
application. However, portions or all of the information contained
in the summary may not be completely applicable to the claims as
originally filed in this patent application, as amended during
prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed
in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any
statements made relating to the summary are not intended to limit
the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting
the claims in any manner.
[0120] It will be understood that the examples of patents, patent
applications, patent publications, and other documents which are
included in this application and which are referred to in
paragraphs which state "Some examples of . . . which may possibly
be used in at least one possible exemplification of the present
application . . . " may possibly not be used or usable in any one
or more exemplifications of the application.
[0121] The sentence immediately above relates to patents, patent
applications, patent publications, and other documents either
incorporated by reference or not incorporated by reference.
[0122] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on Sep. 27,
2016, having inventors Heinz HILLMANN and Andreas FAHLDIECK,
Attorney Docket No. NHL-HOL-314, and title CROWN CORK CLOSURE AND
CLOSING METHOD, and its corresponding Federal Republic of Germany
Patent Application No. 10 2014 104 322.7, filed on Mar. 27, 2014,
and International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2015/056264, filed
on Mar. 24, 2015, having WIPO Publication No. WO 2015 144710 A1 and
inventors Heinz HILLMANN and Andreas FAHLDIECK are hereby
incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety
herein.
[0123] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on Sep. 27,
2016, having inventors Heinz HILLMANN and Andreas FAHLDIECK,
Attorney Docket No. NHL-HOL-315-PPH, and title CROWN CAP AND
CLOSING DEVICE, and its corresponding Federal Republic of Germany
Patent Application No. 10 2014 104 316.2, filed on Mar. 27, 2014,
and International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2015/056263, filed
on Mar. 24, 2015, having WIPO Publication No. WO 2015/144709
A1--and inventors Heinz HILLMANN and Andreas FAHLDIECK are hereby
incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety
herein.
[0124] The following patents, patent applications, patent
publications, and other documents, except for the exceptions
indicated herein, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set
forth in their entirety herein except for the exceptions indicated
herein: DE 4018121 A1, having the English translation of the German
title "Filling and closing bottles--involves mechanism which forms
seal press seat between closure and bottle", published on Dec. 12,
1991; DE 1018121 A1, having the German title
"Freiluft-Hochspannungsverbundisolator aus Kunststoff", published
on Oct. 24, 1957; DE 4036306 A1, having the English translation of
the German title "Fitting sealing caps to filled bottles",
published on Jun. 4, 1992; and DE 35 15 334 A1, having the English
translation of the German title "VESSEL CLOSING MACHINE", published
on Oct. 30, 1986.
[0125] All of the patents, patent applications, patent
publications, and other documents, except for the exceptions
indicated herein, which were cited in the German Office Action
dated Jul. 9, 2015, and/or cited elsewhere, as well as the German
Office Action document itself, are hereby incorporated by reference
as if set forth in their entirety herein except for the exceptions
indicated herein, as follows: DE 10 2014 010 626 A1, having the
German title "Verschluss einer Flasche mit einem Kronkorken",
published on May 7, 2015; and DE 10 2005 004 996 B3, having the
English translation of German title "Crown cap for bottles is
produced by stamping from a metal sheet, with the seals laid in
position, to give a base and a peripheral wall with a toothed
structure", published on Jun. 20, 2006.
[0126] All of the patents, patent applications, patent
publications, and other documents, except for the exceptions
indicated herein, which were cited in the International Search
Report dated May 29, 2015, and/or cited elsewhere, as well as the
International Search Report document itself, are hereby
incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein
except for the exceptions indicated herein, as follows: U.S. Pat.
No. 2,974,816, having the title "Closing and sealing bottles and
other receptacles", published on Mar. 14, 1961.
[0127] The corresponding foreign and international patent
publication applications, namely, Federal Republic of Germany
Patent Application No. 10 2014 104 323.5, filed on Mar. 27, 2014,
having inventors Heinz HILLMANN and Andreas KRIEG, and DE-OS 10
2014 104 323.5 and DE-PS 10 2014 104 323.5, and International
Application No. PCT/EP2015/056266, filed on Mar. 24, 2015, having
WIPO Publication No. WO 2015/144711 A1 and inventors Heinz HILLMANN
and Andreas KRIEG, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set
forth in their entirety herein, except for the exceptions indicated
herein, for the purpose of correcting and explaining any possible
misinterpretations of the English translation thereof. In addition,
the published equivalents of the above corresponding foreign and
international patent publication applications, and other
equivalents or corresponding applications, if any, in corresponding
cases in the Federal Republic of Germany and elsewhere, and the
references and documents cited in any of the documents cited
herein, such as the patents, patent applications, patent
publications, and other documents, except for the exceptions
indicated herein, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set
forth in their entirety herein except for the exceptions indicated
herein.
[0128] The purpose of incorporating the corresponding foreign
equivalent patent application(s), that is, PCT/EP2015/056266 and
German Patent Application 10 2014 104 323.5, is solely for the
purposes of providing a basis of correction of any wording in the
pages of the present application, which may have been mistranslated
or misinterpreted by the translator, and to provide additional
information relating to technical features of one or more
exemplifications, which information may not be completely disclosed
in the wording in the pages of this application.
[0129] Statements made in the original foreign patent applications
PCT/EP2015/056266 and DE 10 2014 104 323.5 from which this patent
application claims priority which do not have to do with the
correction of the translation in this patent application are not to
be included in this patent application in the incorporation by
reference.
[0130] Any statements about admissions of prior art in the original
foreign patent applications PCT/EP2015/056266 and DE 10 2014 104
323.5 are not to be included in this patent application in the
incorporation by reference, since the laws relating to prior art in
non-U.S. Patent Offices and courts may be substantially different
from the Patent Laws of the United States.
[0131] All of the references and documents cited in any of the
patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other
documents cited herein, except for the exceptions indicated herein,
are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their
entirety herein except for the exceptions indicated herein. All of
the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other
documents cited herein, referred to in the immediately preceding
sentence, include all of the patents, patent applications, patent
publications, and other documents cited anywhere in the present
application.
[0132] Words relating to the opinions and judgments of the author
of all patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other
documents cited herein and not directly relating to the technical
details of the description of the exemplifications therein are not
incorporated by reference.
[0133] The words all, always, absolutely, consistently, preferably,
guarantee, particularly, constantly, ensure, necessarily,
immediately, endlessly, avoid, exactly, continually, expediently,
ideal, need, must, only, perpetual, precise, perfect, require,
requisite, simultaneous, total, unavoidable, and unnecessary, or
words substantially equivalent to the above-mentioned words in this
sentence, when not used to describe technical features of one or
more exemplifications of the patents, patent applications, patent
publications, and other documents, are not considered to be
incorporated by reference herein for any of the patents, patent
applications, patent publications, and other documents cited
herein.
[0134] The description of the exemplification or exemplifications
is believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application,
to adequately describe the exemplification or exemplifications of
this patent application. However, portions of the description of
the exemplification or exemplifications may not be completely
applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patent
application, as amended during prosecution of this patent
application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from
this patent application. Therefore, any statements made relating to
the exemplification or exemplifications are not intended to limit
the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting
the claims in any manner.
[0135] The details in the patents, patent applications, patent
publications, and other documents cited herein may be considered to
be incorporable, at applicant's option, into the claims during
prosecution as further limitations in the claims to patentably
distinguish any amended claims from any applied prior art.
[0136] The purpose of the title of this patent application is
generally to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public
to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this
patent application. The title is believed, at the time of the
filing of this patent application, to adequately reflect the
general nature of this patent application. However, the title may
not be completely applicable to the technical field, the object or
objects, the summary, the description of the exemplification or
exemplifications, and the claims as originally filed in this patent
application, as amended during prosecution of this patent
application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from
this patent application. Therefore, the title is not intended to
limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as
limiting the claims in any manner.
[0137] The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as
required by 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R.
.sctn.1.72(b): [0138] A brief abstract of the technical disclosure
in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably
following the claims, under the heading "Abstract of the
Disclosure." The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent
and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly
from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical
disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the
scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the
abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and
should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
[0139] The exemplifications of the invention described herein above
in the context of the preferred exemplifications are not to be
taken as limiting the exemplifications of the invention to all of
the provided details thereof, since modifications and variations
thereof may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of
the exemplifications of the invention.
* * * * *